A.J. Burnett

A.J. Burnett (elbow) targeting mid-September return to Pirates

A.J. Burnett (elbow) is hoping to rejoin the Pittsburgh Pirates' rotation during the September 15th to 17th series against the Chicago Cubs.

What It Means:

Burnett threw a simulated game on Sunday and felt good about it. The Pirates have announced that he will not go out on rehab assignment prior to his return.

J.A. Happ has pitched well in Burnett's rotation spot while Burnett has been down, posting a 1.98 ERA and 24 strikeouts to seven walks over five starts. If he's back to full health, Burnett should be a steady improvement over Happ once he returns.